NFL-2008 Week 2 Preview

Week 2 Games

Favorite	Spread.	Underdog	Pick	Madden 09
Cincinatti	-1.5	Tennessee	Cincinatti	34-30 Cincy
Washington	-0.5	New Orleans	New O.	44-27 Wash
Carolina	-3.5	Chicago	Carolina	29-23 Carolina
Jacksonville	-6.5	Buffalo	Buffalo	21-6 Jax
Green Bay	-2.5	Detroit	Green Bay	34-27 Detroit
Kansas City	-3.5	Oakland	Oakland	27-20 Oakland
NY Giants	-8.5	St. Louis	St. Louis	27-23 NY
Indianapolis	-1.5	Minnesota	Indy	35-20 Indy
Seattle	-8.5	San Fran	San Fran	25-21 Seattle
Tampa Bay	-8.5	Atlanta	Atlanta	31-9 Tampa
NY Jets	-2.5	New England	New England	26-12 NE
Arizona	-6.5	Miami	Miami	14-10 Zona
San Diego	-2.5	Denver	San Diego	31-29 Denver
Pittsburgh	-5.5	Cleveland	Pittsburgh	20-18 Pitt
Houston	-4.5	Baltimore	Baltimore	18-17 Balt
Dallas	-6.5	Philadelphia	Philadelphia	31-21 Big D

Last week we went a resounding 9-7 (bleh). Looking to do better this week.
Cincy over Tennessee - 21-17
Saints beats Redskins - 24-17
Panthers over Chicago - 21-12
Jacksonville beats Buffalo - 21-17
Green Bay kills Detroit - 31-10
Oakland beats KC - 17-14 (both teams suck)
Giants over Rams - 21-14
Colts beat Vikings - 24-17
Seahawks over 49ers - 17-14
Tampa Bay beats Atlanta - 21-17
Patriots over Jets - 17-14 (BB plays it close to the vest)
Arizona beats Miami - 24-21 (Pennington passes for 300 yards)
San Diego outlasts Denver - 31-28
Pittsburgh beats Cleveland - 17-10
Texans vs Ravens postponed
Cowboys over Eagles - 24-21
The Sporting Word has his picks posted. Looks like good breakdowns included.

There you go, see you later!!!

NFL-2008 Week 1 Preview

Autumn is in the air, as I look out my window and see the leaves starting to fall and I know that it is once again that time of the year for America's favorite past time; Yes dear friends, its time for some football! So hold on a second as I clear the site of the last remaining vestiges of a self imposed exile and sweep out the cobwebs and dust the place up a bit before we get down to the nitty gritty of week one of the "National Football League".

First off, needless to say, that game sucked as in royally sucked. 15-8, are you kidding me? Still I suppose it could have been worse, I’m just not sure how at this time of the day.

Secondly, West Virginia loses to freaking East Carolina! East Carolina! Are you fragging kidding me? Looks like another topsy-turvy season in college football. Go Hogs!

Now, let us look at week one of the “National Football League”. All point spreads are from the ESPN.com fantasy site and all picks were made on Thursday of this week. Here we go!

Week 1 Games

Favorite	Spread.	Underdog	Pick	Madden 09	Result
NY Giants	-3.5	Washington	Ny G	23-17 Wash	16-7 NY G
Detroit	-2.5	Atlanta	Detroit	20-17 Det.
Buffalo	-0.5	Seattle	Seattle	13-10 Buf
Jacksonville	-3.5	Tennessee	Tennessee	31-20 Jax
NY Jets	-2.5	Miami	Jets	19-17 Jets
NE Patriots	-16.5	Kansas City	NE	26-10 Pats
New Orleans	-3.5	Tampa Bay	New Orleans	24-21 TB
Philadelphia	-7.5	St. Louis	Philadelphia	28-10 Phil
Pittsburgh	-6.5	Houston	Pittsburgh	17-3 Pitt
Baltimore	-0.5	Cincinnati	Cincinnati	30-20 Bal
San Diego	-9.5	Carolina	San Diego	34-15 SD
Arizona	-2.5	San Fran	San Fran	27-24 SF
Dallas	-3.5	Cleveland	Dallas	23-13 Dal
Indianapolis	-9.5	Chicago	Chicago	41-28 Ind
Green Bay	-2.5	Minnesota	Minnesota	30-15 GB
Denver	-1.5	Oakland	Denver	26-19 Den

Ok, lets break down these games.

Detroit versus Atlanta - I think that Atlanta is going to be a very bad team this year. With even a week Lions team playing in Atlanta I see a Lions victory. Detroit 27, Atlanta 10.

Seattle versus Buffalo - First this game is in Buffalo, second this has upset written all over it, third it is freaking Seahawks versus Buffalo. Seattle pulls the upset 20-17.

Jacksonville versus Tennessee - Jaguars are good, but the Titans are better. Take the home team in this one, 21-14.

Jets versus Dolphins - Sub plots galore, Favre versus Pennington, Pennington versus Jets, Jets coach from the Parcell coaching tree. Taking the Jets here 24-17.

Kansas City versus New England - This is an iffy pick for me. How is Brady? Are the Patriots as bad as their preseason (no)? I would not be surprised if the Chiefs cover but am going with New England 41-10.

Tampa Bay versus New Orleans - Shockey has a big coming out party in the big easy. Saints beat the Buccaneers 31-21.

St. Louis versus Philadelphia - Eagles have improved, the Rams, well they still suck. I'm looking at an eagle blow out, 28-7.

Houston versus Pittsburgh - Houston is no longer a punching bag but the Steelers are the better team. Pittsburgh wins 17-6.

Cincinnati versus Baltimore - Bengals win a close one 17-16.

Carolina versus San Diego - Rivers goes crazy, LT goes crazy, the Panthers are never in the game. San Diego wins this 37-10.

Arizona versus San Francisco - Arizona continues to prove that no matter what city they are in they stink. San Fran wins going away 31-17.

Dallas versus Cleveland - I cannot believe this is only a 3.5 spread. Romo blows kisses to that Simpson gal as he sits on the sideline in the 4th. Dallas wins 31-17.

Chicago versus Indianapolis - Colts have the offense, Bears have the defense. Colts win 21-14.

Minnesota versus Green Bay - Tuesday night the Green Bay faithful start demanding the coach, general manager and anyone else involved in letting Favre go to the Jets. Vikings run the ball over and over and win this game 21-10.

Denver versus Oakland - McFadden makes his debut and rushes for 100 yards, most of them on a 70+ td run, of course he also fumbles three times and the Broncos beat Oakland 21-17.

There you go folks. See you later as the afternoon progresses!

Red Sox 2008 Game 114 Preview

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J. Beckett		9-8, 4.15		B. Bannister		7-9, 5.33
Red Sox		64-49		Royals		53-60

Tuesday, August 5      Ewing M. Kauffman Stadium  ✠ 8:10 p.m. ET

American League

East	W	L	GB	L 10	1 R W	1 R L	X W	X L
Tampa	66	45	-	7-3	20	11	61	50
Boston	64	49	3.0	4-6	16	18	66	47
New York	61	51	5.5	4-6	20	13	61	51
Toronto	56	56	10.5	5-5	16	24	60	52
Baltimore	53	58	13.0	5-5	19	21	54	57

ESPN.Com Preview .
Yahoo's Preview .
ESPN.Com after the game Recap.
MLB.Com Press Pass
From MLB.Com Scouting Report

Red Sox: Beckett wasn't his sharpest in his last outing against the Angels at Fenway Park, but he certainly fell victim to a flat performance from his team. The Sox dropped a 9-2 decision and suffered yet another sweep to the Halos as Beckett allowed eight runs (seven earned) on 11 hits in just 5 1/3 innings. He'll look to bounce back against the Royals, a team he's yet to face this season but is 2-0 with a 2.33 ERA against lifetime.

Royals: Bannister rang up a lot of pitches, 111, in just five innings last Wednesday at Oakland. He allowed eight hits, walked four and struck out seven, matching his career high in Ks. Despite all that, the A's got just two runs and Bannister emerged with no decision. He's in a prolonged drought, not having a victory since June 23 -- six starts ago. Bannister faced Boston on May 22 at Fenway Park and was banged for seven runs on 12 hits in 5 1/3 innings.

Baseball Reference stats can be found here.

♊ - Well, let's hope we get some funny hats too.

Red Sox 2008 Game 113 Recap

Well that game kind of sucked. Clay started well, but the third came up and bit him in the butt. After a seeing eye grounder past Pedroia there was a hard ground ball that ate Lowry up and it was suddenly 4-2 for the Royals. Still, I think we should focus on the positives.


He left the bases loaded thereby minimizing the damage to those three runs. He then pitched three more shut out innings. Though it was not a quality start, it was a good start. One step forward last night, he just needs to take another step forward on his next start. I have high hopes for the kid and I truly feel like he will continue to take the steps forward.

Red Sox 2008 Game 113 Preview

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C. Buchholz		2-6, 5.94		G. Meche		9-9, 4.22
Red Sox		64-48		Royals		52-60

Monday, August 4      Ewing M. Kauffman Stadium  ✠ 8:10 p.m. ET

American League

East	W	L	GB	L 10	1 R W	1 R L	X W	X L
Tampa	66	44	-	7-3	20	11	60	50
Boston	64	48	3.0	5-5	15	17	66	46
New York	61	50	5.5	5-5	20	13	61	50
Toronto	55	56	11.5	5-5	16	24	59	52
Baltimore	53	57	13.0	5-5	19	20	53	57

ESPN.Com Preview .
Yahoo's Preview .
ESPN.Com after the game Recap.
MLB.Com Press Pass
From MLB.Com Scouting Report

Red Sox: Talk about a trip down memory lane that's a bit more bitter this time around. Buchholz watched John Lackey come within two outs of a no-hitter at Fenway Park on Tuesday, less than one year after Buchholz completed a no-no in his second career start. Buchholz showed innings where he looked strong, but fell victim to back-to-back two-run frames in the third and fourth in a 6-2 loss to the Angels. He'll look to earn his first win since May 2 against the Royals on the road. Buchholz is 0-4 in his last four decisions, including three losses in four starts since returning to the rotation in mid-July.

Royals: Meche picked up his third straight victory, all since the All-Star break, on Tuesday night at Oakland. He used an aggressive attack, working inside with his fastball and cutter, thus discouraging batters to sit on his effective breaking ball. He's gone seven innings in each of his last two wins with good economy, throwing 100 and 101 pitches with a total of just three walks. At Boston on May 20, Meche pitched well and held the Red Sox to two runs in seven innings, but he lost, 2-1. He's 4-2 against the Sox in his career.

I think that I will skip the time consuming breakdowns of pitchers and hitters for the games. To be honest with you, I feel a little behind and am tired of being called a mouth breathing racist bastard and since no one seems to really care but me about that stuff well, why post it here. However, if you want a good breakdown be sure and visit Baseball-reference.com.

♊ - Well, let's hope we get some funny hats too.

Red Sox 2008 Game 107 Preview

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J. Weaver		8-8, 4.08		D. Matsuzaka		11-1, 2.63
Angels		64-40		Red Sox		61-45

Monday, July 28      Fenway Park  ✠ 7:05 p.m. ET

American League

East	W	L	GB	L 10	1 R W	1 R L	X W	X L
Tampa	61	43	-	6-4	17	15	56	48
Boston	61	45	1.0	5-5	14	17	62	44
New York	58	46	3.0	8-2	20	11	57	47
Toronto	53	52	8.5	6-4	16	22	56	49
Baltimore	49	55	12.0	4-6	18	20	50	54

ESPN.Com Preview .
Yahoo's Preview .
ESPN.Com after the game Recap.
MLB.Com Press Pass
From MLB.Com Scouting Report

Angels: Weaver had his shortest start of the season when he pitched just three innings against the Indians on Tuesday, exiting with back stiffness. He allowed two runs on three hits, walking two and hitting another. The only positive from his start was that he struck out four of the 15 batters he faced. His outing broke a streak of four straight starts in which pitched at least five innings and allowed two earned runs or fewer. Weaver is 0-2 with a 5.46 ERA in five career starts against the Red Sox.

Red Sox: Matsuzaka turned in one of his best performances of the season in his last start, allowing five hits and two runs over 7 1/3 innings in a 4-2 win over the Mariners. After struggling in his first start back from the disabled list, Matsuzaka has allowed two earned runs or fewer in each of his past five starts. The righty is 6-1 with a 3.02 ERA in nine starts at Fenway Park this season. Matsuzaka is holding opponents to a .202 average. This is his first start of the season against the Angels.

As usual all statistics were found at the day by day database at Baseball Musings and at Baseball Reference.

Red Sox Batting History vs Weaver

Player	AB	Hits	2b	3b	HR's	RBI	BB's	K's	BA	OBA	Slug	OPS
D. Pedroia	8	3	2	0	0	0	1	2	.375	.444	.625	1.069
K. Youkilis	15	5	0	0	2	4	1	1	.333	.375	.733	1.108
D. Ortiz	13	6	0	0	2	8	2	2	.462	.500	.923	1.423
M. Ramirez	9	1	0	0	0	1	1	5	.111	.182	.111	.293
M. Lowell	7	2	0	0	0	0	1	1	.286	.375	.286	.661
J. D. Drew	9	4	0	0	0	0	0	0	.444	.444	.444	.889
J. Lowry	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---
J. Varitek	8	1	1	0	0	0	0	1	.125	.125	.250	.375
J. Ellsbury	3	1	0	0	1	1	0	0	.333	.333	1.333	1.667
Totals	72	23	3	0	5	14	6	12	.319	.367	.569	.937

Not much to say here, those are great numbers against one of the good young pitchers in the league. The bench, except for Cora stinks against this guy and Cora has only faced him 4 times so not much history.

Pitching Comparisions Career

Pitcher	GS	W	L	Sho	IP	H	ER	HR	BB	K	ERA	WHIP	IP/GS
Weaver	5	0	2	0	28	17	17	5	6	23	5.46	1.46	5.60
Matsuzaka	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---

Wow, I was sure that Daisuke had started a game in the regular season vs the Angels, but I guess not, however this Angels team should be made to order for him since they are not exactly known for their patience.

Pitching Comparisions this year

Pitcher	GS	W	L	Sho	IP	H	ER	HR	BB	K	ERA	WHIP	IP/GS
Weaver	20	8	8	0	119	116	57	13	35	92	4.08	1.27	5.95
Matsuzaka	17	11	1	0	95 2/3	70	28	5	60	83	2.63	1.36	5.63

Edge Daisuke. All the way except for that WHIP (thanks to the BB's). Would be nice if we saw a blow out tonight.
♊ - Well, let's hope we get some funny hats too.

Red Sox 2008 Game 94 Recap

Final

Press Pass ✠ Box Score ✠ Play - by - Play ✠ Game Recap

Team	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9		R	H	E
Minnesota	3	0	0	0	0	2	0	0	0		5	14	1
Boston	0	0	4	0	2	1	7	4	X		18	23	2

W: J. Beckett (9-5)   L: L. Hernandez (9-6)
HR ➢   Bos: K. Cash (2), K. Youkilis (14)  Min: J. Morneau (13)

✫     - Manny - Third straight game that the "being" has came through.
✫✫    - Lowell - Followed Manny's double with a two run single.
✫✫✫   - Casey - Followed Lowells single with an rbi single himself.

⋔ Fork - Beckett - Just like Lester last night, the Ace of the staff stunk up the place by allowing 5 earned runs in 5 innings.

Game thoughts!

Just like his last game Beckett struggled right off the bat. Three runs scored in the first inning off the right-hander and the Sox were in the hole right away. The game just felt weird all day. After the first, just like in the Bronx, Beckett settled down and became the ace again. Well, until the sixth inning.

Thanks to Beckett competing, to use Mr. Terry Francona's favorite phrase, the Sox were able to scratch back into this game. Zeroes on the board in the second, third and fourth innings allowed the Sox to take the lead in the third.

With two outs Manny doubled in Lugo, Lowell then singled in Lugo and Manny and thanks to the Twins throwing error moved to third base. This allowed Casey to single in Lowell and the Sox were in the lead and would never look back.

The fifth inning saw Manny and Casey have two more RBI hits. At this point you just felt like the team would not be challenged the rest of the game.

The Twins made it a one run game in the sixth, but Youkilis got it right back in the bottom of the inning. So, the game was still close until the wacky, weird, and laugher of the seventh.

The bottom of the seventh started off simple enough. Lowell walked and moved to third on Sean Casey's ground rule double to right. Then the wacky happened.

Jason Varitek hit a sinking liner to center field. Denard Span slid for the ball, backhanding it as it one-hopped into his glove.

The base runners took off, but after the umpires belatedly signaled a catch, Span threw to second to double off Casey. Second baseman Alexi Casilla leisurely threw to third to get Mike Lowell, who had already crossed the plate.

Originally it was called a triple play, but then the Umpires conferred at Francona's request and correctly reveresed the call. Gardenhire went balistic was tossed and then the Sox just kept on adding on the runs.

Moss struck out, Lugo walked, Ellsbury singled, Pedroia hit a three run double, Youkilis doubled, Ramirez singled, Lowell hit a fielders choice and then Casey grounded out to first. Seven runs scored in the inning and the game was officially declared a rout as the inning ended with the Sox up 14-5.

Of course more wackiness happened in the top of the eighth. With Hansen pitching he walked the lead off hitter. Grind, grind, grinding my teeth on that one. Terry, sensing the game was wacky yanked Hansen after Span singled and brought in Delcarmen.

Casilla then hit into a double play, that should not have been a double play. Remember there are two on base and no outs which makes the infield fly rule a possibility. Casilla hits a soft pop up that goes up about twenty feet in the air and lands about a foot (Lugo allowed it to drop) on the outfield grass.

On the hop he throws to Pedroia at second forcing Span and Dustin, after looking at first base throw to third where Harris is tagged out by Lowell. Obviously the Umpires did not call the infield fly and the Twins went from runners on first and second with one out to a runner on first with two outs. Then Delcarmen did the same thing that Hansen did, he walked a Mauer. Look, you are up by nine runs in the eighth, do not walk people!

The bottom of the eighth saw the Sox add two more runs on a pinch hit homer run by Cash, a Moss triple, a Lugo ground out, a Pedroia single and then Youkilis hitting a home run. Cash's homer was a bomb as the ball ended up in the parking lot, an absolute bomb that was his first pinch hit home run. Thankfully the ninth ended with Timlin getting three outs only allowing a one out single by Young. The WATER WAS SO DIRTY.

Factoid - The 18 runs were the most for the Sox since Sox scored 25 against Florida in 2003.

Factoid - Season highs in winning margin, most runs in an inning, hits and runs.

♊ - Then don't strain your brain trying. Might break something.

Red Sox 2008 Game 93 Recap

Final

Press Pass ✠ Box Score ✠ Play - by - Play ✠ Game Recap

Team	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9		R	H	E
Minnesota	0	0	0	3	0	0	1	1	0		5	11	0
Boston	1	0	0	0	0	0	1	4	x		6	11	1

W: D. Aardsma (3-2) L: M. Guerrier (4-4) S: J. Papelbon (27)
HR ➢ Bos: M. Ramirez (17)

✫     - M. Ramirez - His home run in the eighth tied the game.
✫✫   - J. D. Drew - two rbi's the second one getting them close in the eighth
✫✫✫ - Moss - A game winning rbi, his second of the night.
Just in case it escaped you, all six runs were knocked in by these three players, thus the star's.

⋔ Fork - Lester - 7 1/3 innings but five earned runs ouch.

Game thoughts!

Another one run game, and another win for the Sox. As bad as this team has been on the road in these close games, they have been spectacular at home in these situations. Overall they are now 13 - 16 in 1 run games. 2-14 on the road, 11-2 at home.

The Sox started off well as they scored in the first thanks to an Ellsbury single and a J.D. Drew double to left field. It especially felt good since the Twins had stranded two runners, thanks to two walks issued by Lester, in the top of the inning. Both pitchers settled down though as they both had 1-2-3 innings until the top of the 4th.

The Twins finally broke through as they got three straight hits off of Lester after two outs. The big blow was triple to right field by Harris which scored two runs and was followed by a single by Punto. All of a sudden the Sox went from being in control to being behind and Blackburn responded by having a 1-2-3 inning for the third time in a row.

Lester continued to struggle though as he allowed two more batters to reach in the sixth inning. Thankfully the Sox were able to retire the side without any runs scoring when Mauer hit into a double play to end the inning.

Blackburn was still dealing. To recap he had a 1-2-3 inning in the 2nd, 3rd, 4th innings and only allowed a Youkilis single in the 5th and a Pedroia single in the 6th before finally allowing the Sox to score again in the 7th after a Youkilis triple with one out followed by Moss's sacrifice fly.

The Sox were finally back within two runs only to have Lester and Aardsma give up the Twins fifth run of the night. I was ready to chew bricks and throw them at the television but the best part of the game was still to come.

After Ellsbury doubled down the left field line to start the eighth inning Pedroia then singled to center and Drew got his second rbi of the night on a ball that Morneau barely got some leather on which allowed the second baseman to throw out Drew. One inch to the left and I think that ball goes through to right field but that is why it is a game of inches.

Manny followed up Drew's at bat by crushing a ball to left center field and just like that the game was tied at five. Fenway park went nuts, the vibrations in the park even made the center field camera shake. At this point you had to feel like the game was going to be won by the Sox.

The only question was which inning would see the winning run pushed across for the Sox lead. One out later, Youkilis and Moss answered the question as Youkilis doubled to center and after a wild pitch moved him to third, Moss singled up the middle.

Papelbon was warming up in the pen and even after he allowed a lead off double I was sure that he would get the save. Sure enough, he did by getting a strike out and a ground out for the last two outs. The water was dirty!

Factoid - The Red Sox improved to 33-10 at Fenway this season.

♊ - Then don't strain your brain trying. Might break something.

Red Sox 2008 Game 92 Recap

Final

Press Pass ✠ Box Score ✠ Play - by - Play ✠ Game Recap

Team	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9		R	H	E
Minnesota	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0		0	6	0
Boston	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	x		1	7	0

W: H. Okajima (2-2) L: B. Bass (3-3) S: J. Papelbon (26)

✫ 1st star - D. Matsuzaka - 7 1/3 innings, 3 walks, 5 k's and oh yeah only 6 hits.
✫✫ 2nd star - H. Okajima - 2 men on with 1 out in the 8th and first batter walks. Meltdown in the making? Nope, a foul out and a fielders choice later and it was still 0-0.
✫✫✫ 3rd star - M. Ramirez - a clutch single with 1 out in the 8th scored the only run.
⋔ Pitchfork - none, nada, both teams played well

Game thoughts!

What can you say about tonights game? A pitchers duel, helped by some terrible batting by both teams at key times but was overall a very good game. I will take 1-0 wins every day and twice on Sunday, especially after seeing the Sox lose like six straight 1 run games on the road.

Matsuzaka was dealing tonight. 71 pitches for strikes and he was challenging the hitters with his fast ball all night. More importantly, he went deep in the game, which is what this team needs. With Beckett, Lester, Wakefield and Matsuzaka as the starters, the strength of this teams pitching is the starters. They need to get 7+ innings. If they do that, then the bullpen will be just fine.

Pedroia continued his hot hitting tonight by leading off the eighth with a wall ball double. The man is smoking right now and his double came at a very good time. Drew moved him to third on a ball he pulled but it took a diving stop by the second base to get the out on a very close play. For once the Sox actually got the runner home from third on Manny's single. As I said at the time at Joy of Sox "This game was over".

Now lets do the same thing tomorrow night!!!

♊ - Then don't strain your brain trying. Might break something.

No Previews or Recaps or Much of Anything for Awhile

Well, thanks to some activity by BH at St. Francis on 7/1, only caught the 8th and 9th innings of game 86. For awhile, though I probably will be able to watch or listen to most of the games I will not be posting. I love the Sox, but BH still has my heart and always will. So, until she is fully mobile and functioning again this will probably be the last post until next Monday. Cheerio and go SOX!!!

Red Sox 2008 Game 86 Preview

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T. Wakefield		5-5, 3.88		M. Garza		6-4, 3.76
Red Sox		50-35		Rays		50-32

Tuesday, July 1      Tropicana Field  ✠ 7:10 p.m. ET

American League

East	W	L	GB	L 10	1 R W	1 R L	X W	X L
Tampa Bay	50	32	-	7-3	15	10	47	35
Boston	50	35	1.5	4-6	11	13	50	35
New York	44	39	6.5	4-6	14	10	44	39
Baltimore	41	40	8.5	4-6	17	13	40	41
Toronto	41	43	10.0	6-4	12	20	45	39

ESPN.Com Preview .
Yahoo's Preview .
ESPN.Com after the game Recap.
MLB.Com Press Pass.
From MLB.Com Scouting Report.

Red Sox: Wakefield was in top form in his last start against the D-backs, holding Arizona to just two hits in seven shutout innings. He fanned six batters and never allowed more than one runner on base at a time. He allowed three runs on six hits in his lone matchup with Tampa Bay this season, earning a no-decision in a 5-4 loss on April 25. He has allowed three runs or less in each of his last six outings.

Rays: The right-hander is coming off a masterful performance on Thursday afternoon in which Garza gave the Rays a preview of just how good he can be. The 24-year-old held the Marlins to just one-hit -- a solo home run by Hanley Ramirez -- en route to his first-ever complete game. Garza threw all four of his pitches for strikes and retired the first 10 straight Fish before walking Jeremy Hermida in the fourth inning. Tuesday will mark Garza's third outing against Boston this season, (he is 0-1) and he will look to continue the momentum found against Florida. The right-hander has arguably the best stuff on the Rays staff and if he can keep his emotions in check, he is a force on the mound.

As usual all statistics were found at the day by day database at Baseball Musings and at Baseball Reference.

Red Sox Batting History vs Garza

Player	AB	Hits	2b	3b	HR's	RBI	BB's	K's	BA	OBA	Slug	OPS
J. Ellsbury	7	2	0	0	0	1	1	0	.286	.375	.286	.661
D. Pedroia	8	1	1	0	0	0	0	1	.125	.222	.250	.472
J. D. Drew	3	2	1	0	1	1	2	0	.667	.800	2.000	2.800
M. Ramirez	8	5	1	0	0	1	1	0	.625	.667	.750	1.417
M. Lowell	9	2	0	0	1	2	0	2	.222	.222	.556	.778
K. Youkilis	8	1	0	0	0	0	0	2	.125	.222	.125	.347
K. Cash	1	1	0	0	0	1	0	0	1.000	.500	1.000	1.500
B. Moss	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---
J. Lugo	5	1	0	0	0	1	1	1	.200	.333	.200	.533
Totals	53	16	3	0	2	8	6	7	.302	.393	.472	.865

Not bad averages, but it is time to face the facts. The Rays have the Sox number at the Trop. I just have no faith in this team right now to come up with the big hit. It is time for Manny to start being Manny, but right now, I think this is the Manny. Win probability - 10%.

Pitching Comparisions Career

Pitcher	GS	W	L	Sho	IP	H	ER	HR	BB	K	ERA	WHIP	IP/GS
Wakefield	29	19	3	0	202 1/3	166	71	19	67	139	3.16	1.15	6.29
Garza	4	2	1	0	21	20	11	2	11	13	4.71	1.48	5.25

Wakefield has made 39 appearances against the Rays. As a starter he is 17-3 with a 3.31 ERA and a 1.20 WHIP. You have to like those numbers, but the Rays are playing like a team possessed while the Sox are playing lethargically. Normally, if they wher facing a pitcher who has a 1.48 WHIP I would give the edge to the Sox, but not right now. Calling this matchup even.

Pitching Comparisions this year

Pitcher	GS	W	L	Sho	IP	H	ER	HR	BB	K	ERA	WHIP	IP/GS
Wakefield	16	5	5	0	102	86	44	14	42	69	3.88	1.25	6.38
Garza	14	6	4	0	83 2/3	72	35	9	29	55	3.76	1.21	5.98

Splits on the the stats this year, just reaffirming my even call. I have a bad feeling about tonight's game. Wakefield is usually very good in the Dome and he is on one of his hot streaks but I just don't know.

The Sox need to take a hard look in the mirror and decided if they are going to continue this win three lose three, suck on the road be great at home type of playing. This team should be doing better than what they are doing. It is time to step up!

♊ - Well, let's hope we get some funny hats too.

Red Sox 2008 Game 85 Recap

Final

Press Pass ✠ Box Score ✠ Play - by - Play ✠ Game Recap

Team	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9		R	H	E
Boston	0	0	0	1	0	1	0	0	2		4	8	1
Tampa	1	0	0	2	1	0	1	0	x		5	6	0

W: J. Shields (6-5) L: J. Masterson (4-2) S: J. Howell (2)
HR ➢ Bos: J.D. Drew (16) TB: B.J. Upton (6), G. Gross (6)

✫ 1st star - Gabriel Jordan Gross - His two run home run in the fourth put the Rays ahead to stay
✫✫ 2nd star - J Shields - 6 1/3 innings of two run ball
✫✫✫ 3rd star - Upton - First pitch lead off home run set the tone
⋔ Pitchfork - Masterson - six innings, five walks, five hits, four earned runs allowed. Not good

Game thoughts!

Upton set the tone by hitting the first pitch to deep center field and the rest was pretty much down hill. Actually, Masterson wasn't horrible after the first pitch until the fourth and fifth innings. Once the Sox had tied the game in the top of the fourth he retired the first two batters and then walked Navarro, and then allowed the Gross home run to right field (a bomb). The man is having problems with left handers.

After that, it seemed like the Sox would get close only to allow another run. As Terry says, the Rays just kept on tacking on to the lead. If the Sox wanted to send a message to the Rays, this was not the way to do it.

♊ - Then don't strain your brain trying. Might break something.

Red Sox 2008 Game 85 Preview

			@
J. Masterson		4-1, 3.43		J. Shields		5-5, 3.76
Red Sox		50-34		Rays		49-32

Monday, June 30      Tropicana Field  ✠ 7:10 p.m. ET

American League

East	W	L	GB	L 10	1 R W	1 R L	X W	X L
Tampa Bay	49	32	-	7-3	14	10	46	35
Boston	50	34	.5	5-5	11	12	49	35
New York	44	38	5.5	5-5	14	9	43	39
Baltimore	41	39	7.5	5-5	17	12	40	40
Toronto	40	43	10.0	5-5	12	20	45	38

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From MLB.Com Scouting Report

Red Sox: Masterson earned his second career win against Tampa Bay on June 3, a 7-4 decision at Fenway Park. It wasn't his most dominant performance, allowing four runs on six hits during six innings of work. But it did set the tone for the three-game set as the Red Sox swept the Rays to regain first place in the AL East. Masterson's last start was very similar to that game against the Rays; he allowed four runs on seven hits against Arizona on Tuesday.

Rays: Shields is coming off a resounding victory over the Marlins on Wednesday night in which the right-hander broke a seven-game dry spell to notch the win. He tossed seven innings of four-hit ball, allowing only a solo home run to Mike Jacobs in the sixth inning. Shields will face a new rival in the Red Sox, as the right-hander was one of five Rays suspended in June 5's on-field melee at Fenway Park. Monday's game will be the 27-year-old's fourth appearance against the Red Sox this year. Shields has beaten Boston once this season, in April 27's game at Tropicana Field, but sports an impressive 1.99 ERA in home starts.

As usual all statistics were found at the day by day database at Baseball Musings and at Baseball Reference.

Red Sox Batting History vs Shields

Player	AB	Hits	2b	3b	HR's	RBI	BB's	K's	BA	OBA	Slug	OPS
J. Ellsbury	7	1	0	0	0	0	1	2	.143	.250	.143	.393
D. Pedroia	7	4	1	0	0	1	0	0	.571	.625	.714	1.339
J. D. Drew	12	4	2	0	0	1	0	1	.333	.333	.500	.833
M. Ramirez	11	4	0	0	0	0	0	2	.364	.417	.364	.780
M. Lowell	10	3	0	0	0	0	0	2	.300	.300	.300	.600
K. Youkilis	14	0	0	0	0	0	2	5	.000	.176	.000	.176
J. Varitek	8	1	0	0	0	1	0	4	.125	.125	.125	.250
B. Moss	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---
J. Lugo	10	4	2	0	0	2	1	3	.400	.455	.600	1.055
Totals	79	21	5	0	0	5	4	19	.266	.337	.329	.666

Right now Jason Varitek, aka "the Captain" is stinking up the place at the plate. Tonight would be a good night for Tek to sit. Give him a couple of days off in a row, and maybe, just maybe, he will be ready for New York.

I would also sit Youkilis, though he has been swinging the bat well lately, Shields owns him. Give him a night off also and let Casey swing the bat tonight. Of course, Terry will ignore my advice so, confidence level of them winning tonight 20%.

Pitching Comparisions Career

Pitcher	GS	W	L	Sho	IP	H	ER	HR	BB	K	ERA	WHIP	IP/GS
Masterson	1	1	0	0	6	6	4	2	2	5	6.00	1.33	6.00
Shields	7	1	4	1	35	35	22	5	10	36	5.66	1.29	5.00

Masterson has been, well, masterful in most of his games this year. His one appearance versus the Rays being one of his worst starts. Look for him to come out firing tonight though and I expect that slider of his to be working down and away to the left handed hitters.

Shields has beaten the Sox once this year. That is his only win ever against the Sox. With that ERA I can see why. Look for a patient Sox team to take him deep tonight and I fully expect him to be knocked out by the sixth inning. The question is can the bull pen for the Sox hold off the Rays.

Pitching Comparisions this year

Pitcher	GS	W	L	Sho	IP	H	ER	HR	BB	K	ERA	WHIP	IP/GS
Masterson	7	4	1	0	42	29	16	6	21	32	3.43	1.19	6.00
Shields	16	5	5	2	103	100	43	11	19	83	3.76	1.16	6.44

Pretty evenly matched between these two pitchers. Still I think I'm going to give a slight edge here to Masterson.

Inside Edge

Type (%'s)	All	1st P	Early	2 S	Ahead	Behind	RHB	LHB	Op. BA (avg)
Fastball	52	68	57	31	32	68	51	53	.313
Curves	10	9	11	9	15	2	13	6	.204
Sliders	10	10	12	6	10	7	14	5	.262
Change Ups	28	12	19	54	43	22	23	34	.179
Totals	4,278	1,194	2,691	1,111	1,482	962	2,226	2,052	.249

Shields has been tough to beat, but if you can get into the Fastball counts you can beat him. The Sox will need to be patient against this guy.

♊ - Well, let's hope we get some funny hats too.

Red Sox 2008 Game 84 Recap

Final

Press Pass ✠ Box Score ✠ Play - by - Play ✠ Game Recap

Team	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9		R	H	E
Boston	0	0	1	0	0	0	1	0	0		2	9	0
Houston	0	1	0	0	1	0	0	1	x		3	10	0

W: D. Brocail (4-3) L: D. Aardsma (2-2) S: J. Valverde (21)
HR ➢ Bos: D. Pedroia (8), M. Ramirez (16) Hou: G. Blum (5)

✫ 1st star - Beckett - Seven innings only two runs
✫✫ 2nd star - Manny - his home run in the seventh tied the game
✫✫✫ 3rd star - Loretta - Game winning hit in the eighth (eases the pain somewhat)
⋔ Pitchfork - 3-2 game - there is no fork tonight.

Game thoughts!

A tight game from the first pitch. Of course with thirteen men left on base, it should not have been that tight. It did not help the cause to leave the bases loaded twice and strand 10 runners in the first six innings.

Hard to fault anybody but the offense in this game. It is time to admit that this team stinks on the road. Not for sure why, but it just stinks. Oh well, another day and another game today.

Factoid - Boston is now 2-10 in one-run games on the road this year.

♊ - Then don't strain your brain trying. Might break something.

Red Sox 2008 Game 84 Preview

			@
J. Beckett		7-5, 3.73		B. Moehler		4-3, 4.03
Red Sox		50-33		Astros		38-43

Sunday, June 29      Minute Maid Park  ✠ 2:05 p.m. ET

American League

East	W	L	GB	L 10	1 R W	1 R L	X W	X L
Boston	50	33	-	6-4	11	11	49	34
Tampa Bay	48	32	.5	7-3	13	10	46	34
New York	44	37	5.0	6-4	14	9	43	38
Baltimore	41	38	7.0	6-4	17	11	39	40
Toronto	39	43	10.5	4-6	11	20	44	38

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From MLB.Com Scouting Report

Red Sox: Beckett has allowed just two runs in his last two starts, against Arizona and Cincinnati, logging 15 innings in the process. Unfortunately for Beckett, his last outing, against the D-backs, went to waste when the Red Sox ran into Dan Haren, dropping a 2-1 decision at Fenway Park. Beckett is 2-2 lifetime against Houston and owns a 2.92 career ERA at Minute Maid Park.

Astros: Moehler has been the most reliable arm since joining the rotation. Counting his impressive performance against Texas on Tuesday night -- 6 1/3 innings, one run allowed on five hits -- the Astros are 5-4 in Moehler's nine starts but could easily be 7-2. Moehler is 4-3 with a 4.03 ERA. The 36-year-old right-hander is 4-2 with a 4.01 ERA in eight career starts against Boston.

No splits, inane stats, or other stuff. ITS A FREAKING INTER-LEAGUE GAME AND THE THIRD
GAME IN MINUTE MAID PARK. SO I STILL DON'T FREAKING CARE!!!!!!!!!!!

♊ - Well, let's hope we get some funny hats too.

Red Sox 2008 Game 83 Recap

Final

Press Pass ✠ Box Score ✠ Play - by - Play ✠ Game Recap

Team	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9		R	H	E
Boston	0	0	4	0	0	5	0	0	1		10	13	0
Houston	0	0	5	0	1	0	2	3	x		11	14	0

W: D. Brocail (3-3) L: M. Delcarmen (0-2) S: J. Valverde (20)
HR ➢ Bos: M. Lowell (12) Hou: M. Loretta (3), C. Lee (18), T. Wigginton (5)

✫ 1st star - C. Berkman - Key two run double in the eighth
✫✫ 2nd star - T. Wigginton - A home run in the eighth to tie the game
✫✫✫ 3rd star - M. Lorreta - A three run home run in the third to take a lead in the third
⋔ Pitchfork - The Bullpen - six runs allowed

Game thoughts!

A four run lead, not safe, a three run lead, not safe. This game was there to be had but Lester and the bullpen competely sucked. Today is another day, tomorrow was yesterday.

♊ - Then don't strain your brain trying. Might break something.

Red Sox 2008 Game 83 Preview

			@
J. Lester		6-3, 3.13		B. Backe		5-8, 4.82
Red Sox		50-32		Astros		37-43

Saturday, June 28      Minute Maid Park  ✠ 7:05 p.m. ET

American League

East	W	L	GB	L 10	1 R W	1 R L	X W	X L
Boston	50	32	-	6-4	11	10	48	34
Tampa Bay	48	31	.5	8-2	13	9	45	34
New York	43	37	6.0	6-4	13	9	42	38
Baltimore	40	38	8.0	6-4	17	11	38	40
Toronto	38	43	11.5	3-7	11	20	43	38

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From MLB.Com Scouting Report

Red Sox: Lester is becoming one stingy innings-eater for the Boston Red Sox. In the month of June, he hasn't given up more than two runs in any outing while at least pitching into the seventh inning in all four starts. He's 5-1 since the beginning of May, and the Sox have won each of the five outings he's pitched in since May 31.

Astros: Backe earned his first win in a month when he beat the Rays in his last outing. The right-hander yielded a two-run homer to Evan Longoria in the second inning but held the Rays scoreless through the remainder of his 6 2/3 innings. Backe has appeared in four games against the Red Sox, all in relief. He has allowed eight runs over 5 1/3 innings for a 13.50 ERA.

No splits, inane stats, or other stuff. ITS A FREAKING INTER-LEAGUE GAME AND THE SCOND GAME IN MINUTE MAID PARK. SO I STILL DON'T FREAKING CARE

♊ - Well, let's hope we get some funny hats too.

Red Sox 2008 Game 82 Recap

Final

Press Pass ✠ Box Score ✠ Play - by - Play ✠ Game Recap

Team	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9		R	H	E
Boston	0	0	3	0	0	0	1	0	2		6	12	0
Houston	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0		1	4	0

W: D. Matsuzaka (9-1) L: R. Hernandez (0-1) S: J. Papelbon (24)
HR ➢ Bos: J.D. Drew (15) Hou: R. Abercrombie (1)

✫ 1st star - J. D. DREW - Another home run, this time a 3 run blast for the first runs of the game.
✫✫ 2nd star - D. Matsuzak - Way to come back from the last start (though you allowed way to many walks) 5 Innings pitched of 2 hit ball
✫✫✫ 3rd star - K. Youkilis - 4 for 5 night
⋔ Pitchfork - Nothing - I could put Okajami but a solo home run with two outs, not going to worry about.

Game thoughts!

Not much happened in this game (what, striking out 3 Astros is nothing? - ed, Ok something then) until the third inning. After Daisuke struck out Crisp walked and then Pedroia doubled to left field. Well, I should say he singled and then evaded the tag on a beautiful move at second, but the scorer said double so double it is in the books. This was followed by a home run by J. D. on a 2-0 count and really that was the only runs that the Sox would need.

Daisuke looked good except for the three walks that he issued. The five innings could have been better, but according to Remy and Orsillo and others he was pulled more for cautionary reasons then because he was tired or hurt. I can't blame Francona for that since his last start he only lasted the one inning and this was basically the first real start after coming off of the disabled list. Besides, 87 pitches in five innings means he probably would have and could have given them six strong innings if it was needed to spare the pen.

It was a good move by the Sox brass, especially since Hansen and Delcarmen had 1-2-3 innings. The only other hits for the Astros came off of Okajima, but I am not really worried about him, because I think he is just having a rough go of it, but will soon make the adjustments that are needed.

Still, since the bull pen had to go four innings in this game it would be nice to see Lester go out and pitch a seven or eight inning affair tonight. That would not be an unreasonable request the way he has been pitching lately.

Factoid - Crisp starts his five game suspension tonight, which means he will miss the rest of this series and all of the Rays series. MLB front office played it safe but I was glad to see the suspension reduced from seven games.

♊ - Then don't strain your brain trying. Might break something.

Red Sox 2008 Game 82 Preview

			@
D. Matsuzaka		8-1, 3.46		R. Hernandez		0-0, ---
Red Sox		49-32		Astros		37-42

Friday, June 27      Minute Maid Park  ✠ 8:05 p.m. ET

American League

East	W	L	GB	L 10	1 R W	1 R L	X W	X L
Boston	49	32	-	6-4	11	10	47	34
Tampa Bay	47	31	0.5	7-3	13	9	44	34
New York	42	37	6.0	6-4	13	9	41	38
Baltimore	40	37	7.0	6-4	17	11	38	39
Toronto	38	42	10.5	3-7	11	20	43	37

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From MLB.Com Scouting Report

Red Sox: Matsuzaka came off the 15-day disabled list for his last start against the Cardinals, and he looked nothing like the 8-0 starter that mowed down opposing lineups before suffering a right rotator cuff strain on May 27. Coming into his start against St. Louis, opponents were hitting .195 off the right-hander. But the Cardinals touched him up for four runs and five hits in the first inning alone. He faced 12 batters, leaving without recording an out in the second and giving up seven earned runs.

Astros: Hernandez takes over Shawn Chacon's spot in the rotation and will face the Red Sox Friday at Minute Maid Park. The 30-year-old right-hander is 6-3 with a 3.72 ERA over 15 starts for the Triple-A Round Rock Express this year. He's allowed 35 earned runs over 84 2/3 innings and has allowed 11 home runs. He's issued 23 walks while striking out 63. Opponents are hitting .233 against him. Hernandez has made two career starts against the Red Sox, taking no-decisions in both. He has a 4.85 ERA over those two games, having allowed seven earned runs over 13 innings. His last outing versus Boston occurred on Aug. 10, 2006.

No splits, inane stats or etc. ITS A FREAKING INTER-LEAGUE GAME AND THE FIRST TIME IN MINUTE MAID PARK. SO I DON'T FREAKING CARE.

Go Sox!!!

♊ - Well, let's hope we get some funny hats too.

Red Sox 2008 Game 81 Recap

Final

Press Pass ✠ Box Score ✠ Play - by - Play ✠ Game Recap

Team	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9		R	H	E
Arizona	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0		0	3	0
Boston	0	1	0	0	0	1	0	3	-		5	12	0

W: T. Wakefield (5-5) L: R. Johnson (4-6) S: J. Papelbon (23)
HR ➢ Bos: K. Cash (1)

✫ 1st star - Wakefield - 7 Innings of 2 hit ball
✫✫ 2nd star - Cash - His three run home run off of cruz in the 8th sealed the deal
✫✫✫ 3rd star - Moss - His 0 for 3 accounted for the early lead as he scored Lowell twice.
⋔ Pitchfork - Consistency - Would love to see a game where one of the relievers has back to back good outings.

Game thoughts!

Wakefields knuckle ball was knuckling and Johnson was being good enough to make you bite your nails. In the first six innings the Sox were only able to score two runs off of Johnson even though they had 8 hits and 2 walks off of him. Both of those runs were driven in by Moss, 1 on a ground out, the second on a sacrifice fly.

With Wakefield mixing in his curve ball and fast ball effectively he was just a little bit better than Johnson. Ok, he was a lot better than Johnson, but after six innings the Sox were only up by those two runs.

Of course Wakefield is used to that but it was nice to see the eight inning start off with a walk by Lowell and then for the second straight time and third over all, Crisp hit a double putting runners on second and third. This time instead of scoring the run with an out, Cash sent one way over the monster seat. A huge sigh of relief was heard in my house and I naturally just assumed that this game was toast.

In fact I was thinking, Hansen comes in and gets 1-2-3 inning and everybody is happy. Just not meant to be though.

Hansen immediately made the game exciting again as he walked the first batter, got two outs and then allowed an infield single and another walk to load the bases. Instead of Papelbon getting two days of rest, Francona had to bring him in with the bases loaded. This being the bot though, he struck out Tracy on five pitches. The water was dirty.

Factoid - For June the Sox are batting .276 / .356 / .474 overall and a horrendous .267 / .357 / .453 at home. That is how you have a 3 and 3 home stand.

♊ - Then don't strain your brain trying. Might break something.